Zuzana Caputova

Zuzana Caputova won the presidential election with 58% of the vote, becoming the first female president of Slovakia. Her campaign focused on anti-corruption, environmental protection, and judicial reform, appealing to voters disillusioned with established politics.

After the collapse of the coalition government, Caputova appointed a technocratic cabinet led by Eduard Heger to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and political crisis. The government lasted until the 2023 elections.

Caputova vetoed a law that would have allowed the government to dissolve the public broadcaster RTVS, arguing it threatened media independence. The veto was overridden by parliament, but she continued to defend press freedom.

Caputova announced she would not seek a second term, citing personal reasons and the toxic political climate. Her decision opened the field for new candidates and highlighted challenges in Slovak politics.